features in: Album Chart of 1971 ● Album Chart of the Decade: 1970s |
This was the final newly conceived album on Buddah Records from the 24 year-old New Yorker, what with the label attempting to exert demands which were not in accordance with the artists’ oeuvre. Quite right Melanie, stuff ‘em. The title-track gets proceedings off to a flyer. Straight away, I’m reminded just how much I love Melanie’s waver and her gift for melody. Album highlight “Babe Rainbow” immediately follows – keep your glow on is the message. I’m thinking, isn’t she lovely? It’s a timeless waltz, with wonderful pennywhistles and exquisite orchestration. There are 9 originals on the album and 3 covers – “Sign on the Window” (Bob Dylan, 1970); “My Father” (Judy Collins, 1968) and “Chords of Fame” (Phil Ochs, 1970). Her own songs are the best – the most powerful. My side notes for “The Saddest Thing” read: “raw and pure – Melanie’s on fine form here.” “The Nickel Song”, soon to be a Top 40 hit, is a little song with a big bite: “Well, I don't know so many things, but I know what's been going on, we're only putting in a little, to get rid of a lot that's wrong” She’s even charming when she’s dissing folks, what a gal, completely loveable. Buddah's loss…
The Jukebox Rebel
25–Feb–2010
Tracklist |
A1 | [04:02] Melanie - Good Book (Melanie Safka) Folk Rock / Americana |
A2 | [05:41] Melanie - Babe Rainbow (Melanie Safka) Songwriter |
A3 | [02:22] Melanie - Sign On The Window (Robert Zimmerman) Folk |
A4 | [04:58] Melanie - The Saddest Thing (Melanie Safka) Songwriter |
A5 | [03:42] Melanie - Nickel Song (Melanie Safka) Country |
A6 | [00:31] Melanie - Isn’t It A Pity (Melanie Safka) Folk |
B1 | [04:59] Melanie - My Father (Judy Collins) Folk |
B2 | [04:56] Melanie - Chords Of Fame (Phil Ochs) Folk |
B3 | [04:09] Melanie - You Can Go Fishin’ (Melanie Safka) Country |
B4 | [06:10] Melanie - Birthday Of The Sun (Melanie Safka) Songwriter |
B5 | [04:38] Melanie - The Prize (Melanie Safka) Songwriter |
B6 | [00:50] Melanie - Babe Rainbow - Reprise (Melanie Safka) Songwriter |